Chapter 11 – Epilogue
"Megastones."
"Pardon?"
"We should conduct proper research on Megastones." Freya said, turning her gaze to the silver-haired geologist that was holding a strong arm around her shoulders. They were sitting on the bench behind the windmill, enjoying the snowy evening landscape and each other's company. Ferro and Jerome were jumping around in the snow not that far away, they too enjoying each other's company.
"Megastones you say…" Steven pondered for a moment. "There are quite many researchers out there examining them at the moment."
"Indeed, but it seems no one really knows anything about them, and yet, they are already widely used by skilled trainers. I think you, as a geologist, and I, as a folklorist, could be of help somehow. I mean, yes, there are many scientists spending time and money on research in labs, but I think to really understand the nature of the Megastones, we need to go bottom-up."
"Bottom-up?"
"Yes, proper fieldwork. I would interview Megastone users, you would examine hands on what happens when someone uses one, and together we would use participatory observation to try and get a picture of what is going on. You have a Metagrossite yourself, you would know something already. I'm no battler, and that gives me another perspective than you. I don't have a clearly formulated plan yet, but Megastones could be a good place to start."
Steven listened, taking in Freya's words. Slowly, he nodded.
"I think you're onto something, love. We should discuss this properly as soon as possible."
"We should, but tomorrow, I need to focus on my book. The last couple of weeks have gone past without me writing a single page, and I really need to get a move on."
"Of course." Steven kissed her cheek. Freya snuggled closer to him, burying herself into his embrace.
"When are you leaving for Mossdeep City?" She asked softly.
"I need to visit my father in Rustboro City soon, I promised him to stop by when I returned from Kalos. So, I'll probably leave Monday morning."
"So soon…"
"I know, I'd rather stay but, you know, duty calls."
"I understand, of course, but that doesn't mean I have to like it."
"Fair enough, since neither do I."
"Come visit me soon again?"
"Of course. You'll be busy with your book, so even though I'd be happy to have you in Mossdeep anytime, I guess I'm the one who has to travel for now… since I'd rather see you in person than over a computer."
"I'm afraid that's the way it has to be for now… But I promise to visit Mossdeep when I'm all done with the book."
"Good, you stop by there, and then we'll travel to Unova together."
"Sounds like a plan."
"I like planning ahead."
"I'm terrible at it."
"Good, because you seem to be better at living in the moment than I am."
"…had you put that any other way it would've sounded terribly cheesy." Freya laughed. Steven joined in, thinking about his last statement. They looked at each other, smiled, and shared a deep kiss, embracing each other tightly.
"We should head back to your place soon; I think our companions are running out of energy sooner or later."
"Those two, seriously? As long as you don't mention it to them, they won't remember they're actually exhausted." Despite the comment, Freya called out to Jerome, and Steven followed suit, calling out to Ferro that they were heading home for the evening. The two Pokémon happily skipped ahead while their trainers came walking behind them, hand in hand.
~Midnight~
"How am I going to last two weeks without seeing you?" Freya sighed, Steven planting kisses along her jawline and down her neck.
"Seeing me over a computer doesn't count?" He murmured between kisses, continuing along the low neckline of her nightgown.
"You tell me."
"I suppose it doesn't, but it's better than nothing."
"Maybe, but I'll miss you terribly."
"I'll miss you too, just as terribly." Steven admitted. He had now untied the bows in the front of her nightgown, and was still planting kisses on every bit of skin he could find. Freya moaned softly in response, entangling her fingers in his silver hair.
"I can stand two weeks…" she murmured, "…but you're making it damn hard for me."
"You have no idea what I'd like to respond to that."
"You'd better not say it aloud." Steven looked up at her, smirking.
"I don't need to." They kissed passionately, and let the moment of pure bliss overwhelm them. It wasn't until the last of the fire had died out that they finally kissed each other good night, and made themselves comfortable in a tight embrace.
"I'm terribly in love with you, Steven." Freya murmured already half a sleep.
"And I with you, love." Steven murmured back, kissing her forehead softly. The upcoming weeks were going to feel like an eternity…